Andrew Higginson sets up Stephen Hendry match in China

Higginson lost in the first round to Shaun Murphy at the Crucible

Andrew Higginson secured a first-round meeting with Stephen Hendry after thrashing Li Yan 5-0 in the wildcard round of the China Open in Beijing.

The 32-year-old from Widnes, who made his World Championship debut last year, outclassed his Chinese opponent at the Beijing Students University Stadium.

He faces Hendry on Wednesday, but Tian Pengfei beat Mark Davis in the deciding frame and will play Ronnie O'Sullivan.

A break of 143, the best of his career, provided little consolation for Davis.

Meanwhile, Rod Lawler beat Supoj Saenla 5-3 and will meet Masters champion Mark Selby.

Another Englishman, Robert Milkins, also advanced with a comfortable 5-2 victory over Lu Chenwei and now faces Welshman Ryan Day in the first round proper.

606: DEBATE Discuss the China Open

Maltese stalwart Tony Drago has a showdown with England's Joe Perry in the first round after ousting China's Shi Shuamgyang 5-3, while Belgium's Bjorn Haneveer won 5-4 against another Chinese player, Yu Delu, and will take on Marco Fu on Tuesday.

Another veteran through to the main draw in James Wattana of Thailand, the 40-year-old thrashed Au Chi Wai of China 5-0 and now faces gritty left-hander Mark King.

Chinese teenager Liu Chuang, who qualified for the World Championship last year for the first time, overpowered England's Rory McLeod 5-0 to book his place in round one against 2008 Crucible finalist Ali Carter.

The 19-year-old made a break of 104 in the opening frame and restricted McLeod to just 42 points in the entire match.